Overview
Maine Maritime Academy is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Castine, Maine. The school accepts 57.7% of applicants and enrolls 888 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 57.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,175
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,075–1,275
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 26
- Total Enrollment
- 888
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Maine Maritime Academy requires completion of your regiment year, a structured program combining military-style training with academic coursework that shapes your entire first-year experience. Your application essay should address why you want this level of structure and how you'll handle the physical and mental demands of early morning formations, room inspections, and strict conduct codes.
The academy operates on a trimester system with mandatory sea terms aboard the training vessel State of Maine, where you'll spend months at sea gaining hands-on experience in your field. Write about specific maritime careers that interest you beyond just "working on ships" and research the academy's specialized programs like Marine Engineering Technology or International Business and Logistics, which combine traditional business education with maritime industry focus.
Your application gets reviewed on a rolling basis starting in September, so submit early for better housing and scholarship consideration. The academy requires a physical fitness assessment and medical examination beyond typical college requirements, reflecting the physical demands of maritime careers and regiment life.
Campus culture centers around the regiment system where upperclassmen mentor underclassmen through a clear hierarchy structure. Students who succeed here appreciate routine, respect authority, and work well in team environments. The campus sits on a peninsula in Castine, creating a close-knit environment where your classmates become your shipmates both literally and figuratively.
Address leadership experiences in your application, but focus on times you followed orders and worked within established systems rather than just times you led others. The academy wants students who can function effectively in structured, safety-critical environments where following protocols matters more than individual creativity.
Consider mentioning the academy's connections to major shipping companies, the Coast Guard, and naval architecture firms in your essays. Many graduates work for companies like Maersk, ExxonMobil, or government agencies, and the career services office maintains strong industry relationships that lead directly to job placements.
Visit campus during the academic year to observe regiment activities and talk with current midshipmen about the daily routine. This experience will help you write more convincing essays about why you want this particular type of college experience.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $21,185/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $14,746
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $30,226
- Students Receiving Aid
- 25%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,964/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 82.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine Maritime Academy require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Maine Maritime Academy requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for Maine Maritime Academy?
Maine Maritime Academy has a rolling admissions process with priority deadlines in early spring. Students should apply by March 1 for the best chance at admission and financial aid consideration.
Can you transfer credits to Maine Maritime Academy from another college?
Maine Maritime Academy accepts transfer students and evaluates credits on a case-by-case basis. Students must have completed at least 12 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered for transfer admission.
Does Maine Maritime Academy offer early decision or early action programs?
Maine Maritime Academy does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed through the regular rolling admissions process.